The impracticality of holding the Games became apparent due to the worldwide spread of COVID-19. Across all Nations we are feeling the effects of the virus epidemic. With some NOC's already declaring their non-participation in the Games and many international qualifying competitions also being cancelled, athletes from many nations cannot train and perform even at local level due to widespread restrictions and lockdowns.
The IOC decision is timely in response to the latest worldwide developments and addresses concerns raised by athlete representation groups.
The new dates for the Games are not yet known but they will be unlikely to take place in 2020, and more probably summer 2021.
We will immediately inform the shooting community of subsequent decisions as they are announced.